Equally inspired by pop divas like Madonna and Whitney Houston and by her grandmother's Latin music, teen pop singer/songwriter Angela Via began singing as a child. When her family moved to Portland, OR, from Texas, Via joined her school and church choirs. Eventually, she began recording versions of her favorite Selena songs in a local studio. Her version of "You Were Loved," which appeared on a 1997 regional fund-raising album for Cans For Kids, led to performances at cultural and charity events throughout the city. The following year she won the talent competition at the Oregon State Fair and a talent show sponsored by a Portland radio station and was flown to Los Angeles to perform at the Planet Hollywood party for The Wedding Singer. In 1999, she made her nationwide debut with the single "Catch Me If You Can," which appeared on the Pokemon: The First Movie soundtrack. After a tour of middle schools with M2M in early 2000, she collaborated with songwriters and producers such as Carole King, Berny Cosgrove, Kevin Clark, Steve Kipner, and David Frank on her self-titled debut album, which was released in Fall 2000 by Atlantic Records. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide